Want to help curb climate change? You can make a difference right now:
1. Stop junk mail
Paper equals energy, and the average American receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year. Stop 75% of junk mail by signing up for the Mail Preference Service.
Also, you can learn how to stop all other junk mail.
Pay bills online. Sign up to pay bills online, then check with your bank about online banking.
Read newspapers and magazines online. Look for your newspaper on this website or search for it. If you find your paper, cancel your print subscription to save money and the environment.
2. Save energy with compact fluorescent lights
They fit most light fixtures, provide ample and attractive light, and pay for themselves many times over through energy savings. Prices can vary widely. Buy CFLs online for a good price.
When buying compact fluorescents lights (CFLs), be sure to buy the right kinds for the bulbs you're replacing. The wattage should be one quarter the wattage of the light it will replace. If you're replacing a standard incandescent, the basic spiral CFL will work. If you're replacing a reflector or flood bulb, you need a reflector or flood CFL.
Clean your refrigerator coils. Twice a year, save even more energy by helping the fridge run more efficiently - 30% more efficiently.
3. Save more money and energy
- Turn it off. It’s so simple: when you’re not using something, turn it off.
- Turn the water heater down to 120°. Anything above that is wasted heat that you won’t use.
- Wash clothes with cold water. Unless they’re seriously soiled, they’ll get just as clean. And always wash a full load.
- Take short showers. Since you like your showers hot, make them hot and short. Don’t let water run when you shave or brush your teeth.
- Cook smart. Turn the oven off five minutes early - it’ll keep cooking. Cover pans on the stovetop. And don’t peek!
- Be paper smart. Print double sided, reuse, or don’t use it at all! And mind your packaging!
- Buy Energy Star appliances. The Energy Star logo ensures that you’re buying efficient equipment that will lower your energy costs.
- Weatherize your house. Weatherstripping prevents your hot and cold air from leaking out of the house. If it’s not time to invest in insulating windows and doors, use storm windows and storm doors.
- Use window shading. Let the sun in when you need heat. Block the sun to keep it cool. Use shading to help insulate your windows when it’s cold.
- Drive less. Walk, bike, carpool, and use public transit when it’s available.
For more ideas, go to the Downloads & Links page.